Industry News
Revolutionary wage management app fastPAYE launches after high-profile gaming industry investment
‘Game-changing’ zero interest application lets staff drawdown salary early to ease financial pressures; service boosts staff satisfaction for gaming industry employers
fastPAYE, the flexible wage application for the modern workforce, has launched to provide a ground-breaking salary drawdown service that enables gaming businesses to pay staff what they’ve earned early.
Backed by staff scheduling solution ShopWorks, which supplies Grosvenor Casinos, Mecca, Betfred and Paddy Power, and whose chairman is gaming industry veteran Ian Hogg, fastPAYE provides a transparent wage management system that significantly improves employee satisfaction and loyalty.
The initial funding round involved high-profile industry investors, including Mark Blandford, founder of SportingBet, 888 Holding’s chairman Brian Mattingley and the Racing Post’s chief executive and chief editor Alan Byrne, as well as business heavyweights Sir Terry Leahy and Bill Currie.
Unlike other providers on the fast-growing “wage-on-demand” market, employers don’t need credit to pay staff early. fastPAYE’s unique model enables businesses to offer drawdowns before payday based on hours worked via a dedicated safeguard account with Starling Bank, facilitating instant fund transfers and maximum cashflow management with no impact on existing payroll.
fastPAYE research shows that 78% of employees struggle to make funds stretch over the month, particularly in January when those paid before Christmas experience the longest pay gap of the year. When unexpected living expenses arise, many are forced to rely on payday loan, overdraft and credit card alternatives that costs households thousands in interest payments. In 2018, 10 million pay day loans were taken in the UK.
fastPAYE is designed to give staff greater control over their salaries when they need it most to ease money-related stress. With sister company ShopWorks, which has a proven expertise in creating effective workplace technologies utilised by over 150,000 users, fastPAYE is uniquely positioned to take the gaming industry by storm with its cost efficient and flexible model.
Commenting on the launch of fastPAYE, Ian Hogg, chairman of fastPAYE, said: “Through years of experience working with major gaming industry brands as clients of ShopWorks, we understand the pressures caused by the outdated monthly wage system on the sector and how it needs to change.
“Attracting investment from industry stalwarts such as Mark Blandford, Brian Mattingley and Alan Byrne is testament to the value fastPAYE brings to casino and betting businesses and their staff, providing a system that is easy to adopt for all parties and that boosts employee retention.
“We’re letting people access what they’re owed, while at the same time providing employers with a wage management tool that is fast and easy to integrate, and that makes their business a more attractive place to work.”
Continent 8 Technologies
Continent 8 appoints Cris Kuehl as Chief Data, Information & AI Officer
Continent 8 Technologies, a leading provider of managed IT solutions for the global iGaming and online sports betting industry, has appointed Cris Kuehl as its Chief Data, Information & AI Officer.
Cris brings over 20 years of expertise in AI, analytics, and data strategy, with senior roles including VP of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science at Akkodis and Global Head, CX Analytics & AI at Foundever. His career focuses on helping regulated organisations adopt secure, scalable, and practical AI capabilities.
At Continent 8, Cris will oversee the company’s global data, AI, and information strategy, driving innovation in analytics, automation, cybersecurity, and customer-centric intelligence. He will also shape AI-enabled product development, champion responsible AI practices, and strengthen data governance for the iGaming, tribal, and enterprise sectors.
Michael Tobin, CEO and Founder of Continent 8, said:
“Cris’ expertise across data, AI, and regulated environments is a perfect fit for our organisation. His leadership will help us provide secure, high-performance solutions that deliver measurable value to customers.”
Cris Kuehl added:
“I’m thrilled to join Continent 8 at such a pivotal moment. AI is transforming how organisations operate, collaborate, and protect their data. Continent 8 is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation in the iGaming and online sports betting sector, and I’m excited to drive the next chapter of innovation.”
The post Continent 8 appoints Cris Kuehl as Chief Data, Information & AI Officer appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
iGaming
PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS LEGENDARY SLOTS IP TO LIVE CASINO WITH GATES OF OLYMPUS ROULETTE
Pragmatic Play, a leading iGaming content supplier, has launched Gates of Olympus Roulette, a live casino experience that merges classic roulette with thrilling slot-action, delivering a game show truly fit for the gods.
Set in a temple-inspired studio with a marble-encased roulette wheel at its centre, the game immerses players in a Grecian fantasy world, complete with striking visuals, dramatic sounds, and charismatic presenters.
Each spin offers the chance to hit a Bonus Number and up to seven Lucky Numbers, carrying multipliers of 50x–250x to boost straight-up bets. The Super Booster feature further amplifies wins by multiplying the Bonus and selected Lucky Numbers 2x–10x, enabling potential payouts of up to 2,500x in the base game and 10,000x in the bonus round.
Landing the Bonus Number triggers the Gates of Olympus bonus game, where Zeus presides over a 6×5 slots grid. Starting with 15 spins, players win whenever 8–12+ matching symbols appear anywhere on the reels. Multipliers up to 500x can strike randomly on any spin or tumble, and three or more scatters award five additional spins.
Following the success of Sweet Bonanza CandyLand, which brought the iconic Sweet Bonanza slot to live casino audiences, Gates of Olympus Roulette underscores Pragmatic Play’s expertise in transforming beloved slot IPs into cross-vertical live experiences. The launch complements recent game show hits like Money Time and Mega Roulette 3000.
Sharon McHugh, Director of Public Relations at Pragmatic Play, said:
“Gates of Olympus Roulette is a spectacular addition to our portfolio, bringing one of our most celebrated IPs into the live casino spotlight. The epic studio design, dynamic roulette-slot fusion, and immersive Grecian theme showcase Pragmatic Play’s commitment to creating truly standout player experiences.”
The post PRAGMATIC PLAY BRINGS LEGENDARY SLOTS IP TO LIVE CASINO WITH GATES OF OLYMPUS ROULETTE appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
Industry News
Prime Casino launches ultimate VIP Football Experience
Online casino Prime Casino is giving players the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime VIP Football Experience in the USA this summer.
Running now until 7 June 2026, new players who deposit a minimum of £10 will receive 155 free spins on Football Cash Collect and can participate in freeroll tournaments and raffles, all leading to the ultimate football prize.
VIP Treatment Stateside
With international football heating up, 48 teams will compete across Canada, Mexico, and the USA. Winners of Prime Casino’s VIP Football Experience will enjoy a guest pass, quarter-final match tickets, VIP hospitality, covered accommodation, and flight contributions.
England, second favourites to replicate their 1966 triumph, face Croatia, Ghana, and Panama in the group stage, with a potential quarter-final against Brazil looming. Scotland will also compete, starting against Haiti before facing Morocco and Brazil.
Play for Prizes
Eligible players can join a series of freeroll tournaments and raffles, featuring prizes including cash, free spins, and the headline VIP Football Experience.
Freeroll Tournament Prizes:
- 1st: VIP Football Experience
- 2nd: £1,500 cash (TV prize)
- 3rd: £1,000 cash (Free Pizza for a Year)
- 4th–100th: 150 free spins
- 101st–200th: 125 free spins
- 201st–300th: 100 free spins
- 301st–400th: 60 free spins
- 401st–500th: 40 free spins
- 501st–600th: 25 free spins
- 601st–650th: 15 free spins
Raffle Prizes:
- 1st: VIP Football Experience
- 2nd: £1,500 cash
- 3rd: £1,000 cash
Full terms and conditions: Prime Casino Football Experience
18+ GambleAware.org
Dom Aldworth, Head of Brand Marketing at Kinetic Digital, said:
“Football remains one of the most exciting engagement drivers for our players. This campaign combines a strong welcome offer with ongoing tournaments and the chance to win a VIP football trip, giving multiple ways to get involved. At Prime Casino, we focus on creating standout experiences that players genuinely value, and this promotion is a perfect example.”
The post Prime Casino launches ultimate VIP Football Experience appeared first on Eastern European Gaming | Global iGaming & Tech Intelligence Hub.
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